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Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-assisted Versus Sound-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain

Therapeutic Effects of Instrument-assisted Versus Sound-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Among Patients With Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07244913
Acronym
IASTM VS SASTM
Enrollment
60
Registered
2025-11-24
Start date
2025-12-23
Completion date
2026-06-04
Last updated
2026-01-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain, Pelvic Obliquity, Hamstring Flexibility, Physical Function, Disability, Lumbar Flexibility

Keywords

IASTM, SASTM, CPGS, Disability Index, Flexibility, Pelvic Obliquity, Physical Function, Hamstring Flexibility

Brief summary

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common medical problem observed among musculoskeletal pain and spinal pain problems. It can reduce the movements due to muscular imbalances, decreased activity of daily living, and effects on health-related quality of life. It is the major cause of activity limitation, work absence, and reported clinical issues. Most of the cases of low back pain remained undiagnosed and received only symptomatic management.

Detailed description

There is limited literature on advanced soft tissue release techniques provided by primary healthcare practitioners specific to low back pain. Some of the studies are based on soft tissue mobilization using a mechanically assisted method, but they have limited outcomes, acute effects, and small sample sizes, which limit their generalization. Further literature is limited in the comparison of IASTM and SASTM. Further, there are limited techniques that can facilitate practitioners to identify the restrictions. Firstly, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), due to its body contour and shape, recognizes specific tissue lesions and restriction sites while targeting specific points rather than using manual methods that cover a larger contact area. Using the mechanotransduction phenomenon, its mechanical stimuli initiate biochemical signals that trigger cellular responses and ultimately functional improvement. Biomechanically, fascial elasticity, fascial stiffness, and viscosity absorb and distribute forces. While tissue hydration level is increased, that is compromised in chronic low back pain. Secondly, sound-assisted soft tissue mobilization could be an intervention for treating musculoskeletal disorders. The SASTM technique has the potential to be a game-changer in pain management after IASTM. The sound decreases as adhesions are broken. While breakdown of scar tissue can be a facilitator for ease of movement patterns.

Interventions

DEVICESASTM

The therapist will apply sound instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (SASTM) with a convex plastic (Ceramic) tool (Beer JA, 2019).

DEVICEIASTM

The IASTM technique contains a protocol for treatment that contains five components: i. Examination, ii. warm-up exercises 5 min iii. IASTM treatment (e.g., 30-60 seconds per session), iv. Post treatment stretching and strengthening, v. Icing (only when sub-acute inflammation is of concern).

OTHERExercise

In conventional therapy, patients will be given an exercise program that will be targeted to low back muscles. This will be include three type of exercise focusing on stretching, strengthening and postural correction exercise.(Yana et al., 2024)

Sponsors

University of Lahore
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Intervention model description

The treatment will be given to the patients after group allocation. A certified physical therapist will only provide intervention to the patients. The patients will be equally randomized in three groups. Group A = IASTM + Conventional (CON) Group B = SASTM + Conventional (CON) Group C = Conventional Therapy

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Pain between the inferior gluteal folds and the costal margins. * Pain with a duration of a minimum of 24 weeks. * Moderate to severe pain (\>3) was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. * Straight Leg raise Limited (hamstring tightness)

Exclusion criteria

* Pain in lower back with radiating/referring but limited to proximal legs * Pain for the last 03 months and at least half of the days in the last six months. * Presence of neurological problem/deficit/disease (e.g., nerve root compression, motor deficit, paresthesia) and lower limb symptoms. * Presence of disease like Infection, tumors, spondylolisthesis grade II or higher, vertebral fractures, identifiable cause like endometriosis * Medicine like immunosuppression or steroid medication; * Spinal deformities * History of severe rheumatic, orthopedic, or cardiovascular disease in the last three months before study participation. * Previously diagnosed Osteoporosis * SIJ dysfunction is evaluated by a positive compression test. * BMI over 35. * Skin allergy or hypersensitivity that can lead to skin irritation due to IASTM/SASTM tools.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain IntensityPain intensity will be noted at baseline ,after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.The pain will be assessed using Chronic Pain grading Scale (CPGS).
FlexibilityThe lumbar flexibility will be noted at basline after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.Modified-Modified Schober Test will be used to measure Lumbar flexibility.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
FunctionThe functional movement screening will be noted at baseline, after the 2nd week, 3rd week, 4th week, and follow up will be taken at 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.Functional movement Screen (FMS) will be used.
DisabilityDisability will be assessed before treatment, after the 2nd month, and 4th month post-intervention.Roland Morris Disability Index will be used to measure disability Index.
Hamstring FlexibilityHamstring flexibility will be measured at basline, 2nd month, and after the 4th month post intervention.Active knee Extension Test will be used to assess hamstring Flexibility.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pelvic obliquityThe pelvic obliquity will be assessed before treatment, after 2nd month and 4th month post-intervention.Leg length difference will be measured as an indicator of pelvic obliquity.

Countries

Pakistan

Contacts

Primary ContactTahir Mahmood PhD Scholar, Phd (PT)*
tahirmahmoodphysio@gmail.com+92 300 6741320

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026